Thousands of entrepreneurs to flock to Valley for PHX Startup Week

By Mike Sackley | February 22, 2016 at 5:00 amUPDATED: February 22, 2016 at 6:22 am

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix is set to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit for five days straight, thanks to the second-annual PHX Startup Week.

Through Feb. 26, entrepreneurs from around the country are expected to participate in over 120 free events, ranging from seminars and happy hours to fireside chats.

Among the speakers at this week’s events include Arizona State University President Michael Crow, Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller and Phoenix Vice Mayor Daniel Valenzuela.

“The all-star speaker lineup at this year’s PHX Startup Week will bring a diverse set of skills, thought-provoking ideas and invaluable knowledge to the sessions,” Jonathan Cottrell, community lead for PHX Startup Week, said.

Valenzuela said there could anywhere between 4,000 to 5,000 entrepreneurs in town this week.

“Along with helping to drive this entrepreneur ecosystem forward, this event (allows) people to network and just realize what we have right here in Phoenix,” he said.

He said the startup community within the city of Phoenix continues to grow.

“There was a time when cities would compete for businesses. Phoenix is competing for talent,” Valenzuela said. “Funding will always follow the talent. We figured that out, and that’s been a major reason for our success so far.”